UNC biz incubator selects location, director

GREELEY – UNC has chosen a location and a leader for its yet-to-be-named business incubator.

Ryan Speir, former COO and interim CEO of the Rocky Mountain Innosphere has been chosen to lead a new business incubator housed in the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado.

Speir worked at the Innosphere from 2006-2012 and is also a member of the Business Report’s editorial board.

“We know the huge value a technology incubator brings to the table, but this will be broader, encompassing all kinds of business,” Speir said.

“Ryan has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and funding for start-up and growth stage companies, said Don Gudmundson, dean of Monfort College.

About 2,000 square feet has been leased at 807 17th St., near the Monfort College of Business, according to Speir.

Startups that want to locate within the incubator will be subject to an application process, and the building will hold space for both “residents” with office space there, and services for “nonresidents,” who make use of the incubator but don’t have designated space.

Speir will spend his summer developing programs and creating a strategic plan for the incubator. The physical space must also be prepared for its eventual tenants, which Speir hopes to have selected in time for the incubator’s opening in August or September.

The business incubator program will be launched this fall and will help grow entrepreneurial business ventures in Northern Colorado.

The incubator will work to supplement efforts made by area economic development and small business advocates, Gudmundson said.

“The program will help clients quickly achieve financial goals and establish sustainable business operations,” Gudmundson said.